Description
This unstuffed peppers recipe offers all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a quick and easy deconstructed bowl. It features lean ground beef, green bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes simmered together to create a hearty and well-balanced meal, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a comforting finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 teaspoons oregano, divided
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Grains and Liquids
- ½ cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 15 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, 3 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it is well combined and fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Add rice and liquids: Add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, and water to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully and absorb the flavors.
- Let it rest and fluff rice: After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5-10 minutes to finish steaming. Then, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture into bowls. Garnish generously with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your stove and pot; adjust simmering time if rice is not fully cooked.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
- Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and increased fiber, but increase simmering time accordingly.
- The dish can be prepared in advance and reheated; add cheese right before serving to maintain texture.
